Modern Law of Meetings (2nd edition)

Citation

Taylor, C. (2010), "Modern Law of Meetings (2nd edition)", International Journal of Law and Management, Vol. 52 No. 4, pp. 336-337. https://doi.org/10.1108/17542431011059368

It would be difficult to argue that the prospect of yet another meeting usually generates little enthusiasm on the part of those involved. There is little doubt, however, that the efficient conduct of meetings is central to the management of all organisations, irrespective of size. With issues of governance, transparency and accountability under ever increasing scrutiny, it is essential that organisations are able to demonstrate that their meetings have been held in the appropriate manner. To do otherwise, undermines the decisions taken and raises the prospect of potentially costly challenges from disgruntled shareholders, creditors, members of the organisation or, indeed, members of the public depending on the nature of the organisation.

Despite the central role of meetings, it remains somewhat surprising that the topic is rarely taught in any real detail. This is certainly true of most company law courses and this leaves many graduates entering employment with only the most basic knowledge of the subject. Against this background, a text such as this should prove invaluable.

Now in this second edition, this impressive text addresses not only company meetings, including those arising from the various corporate insolvency procedures, but also meetings within private organisations and local authorities. This widens its potential readership enormously and means that this is likely to become a much valued reference work across a broad spectrum of organisations. Aimed firmly at the practitioner, this is a practical guide to the conduct of meetings and incorporates a number of important statutory provisions, including the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 which make significant changes to the conduct of local authority meetings. However, it is the Companies Act 2006 which provides the most significant developments in the law of meetings, with new provisions for written resolutions, new rights and procedures for proxies and new provisions regulating the passing of ordinary and special resolutions. There is also a highly useful section on electronic communication, in relation to both board meetings and general meetings which is to be welcomed. In addition, there are serious implications for quote companies, where increased shareholder rights have resulted in a significantly increased administrative burden surrounding the conduct of shareholder meetings. By contrast, private limited companies now enjoy a slightly more relaxed regime with the abolition of the requirement for annual general meetings and extraordinary resolutions. All of these changes are outlined clearly and, as such, will be extremely useful to those struggling to ensure that they adopt the correct procedures.

In terms of style, this is a text clearly aimed at the busy professional who will appreciate being able to identify the issues quickly and easily. This is facilitated by a very clear table of contents, which breaks down the various topics into the key matters which are likely to arise. In keeping with its practical focus, the text is crisp and accessible; readily understood and devoid of theoretical background. There is, however, thorough referencing which incorporates many leading decisions. This will be useful for those who need to research a particular point in a little more detail and where they are included in the text; case details are concise and informative.

For those involved in the conduct and supervision of meetings this is certain to prove a valuable resource. With its clear style and extensive content, there is currently no better text on the subject and this is sure to ensure its continued popularity.